Bicycle electric component

ABSTRACT

A bicycle electric component comprises a wireless communicator and a detector. The wireless communicator is configured to receive a wireless signal. The wireless communicator has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. A power consumption of the second operating mode is lower than a power consumption of the first operating mode. The detector is to detect an operational state of a bicycle. The wireless communicator is configured to change from the second operating mode to the first operating mode in a state where the wireless communicator receives the wireless signal and the detector detects the operational state of the bicycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle electric component.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is abicycle electric component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycleelectric component comprises a wireless communicator and a detector. Thewireless communicator is configured to receive a wireless signal. Thewireless communicator has a first operating mode and a second operatingmode. A power consumption of the second operating mode is lower than apower consumption of the first operating mode. The detector is to detectan operational state of a bicycle. The wireless communicator isconfigured to change from the second operating mode to the firstoperating mode in a state where the wireless communicator receives thewireless signal and the detector detects the operational state of thebicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the first aspect, it ispossible to reduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycleelectric component according to the first aspect comprises a bicyclecomponent controller configured to change from the first operating modeto the second operating mode in a state where the detector has notdetected the operational state of the bicycle for a first threshold timeperiod.

With the bicycle electric component according to the second aspect, itis possible to change to the second operating mode in which a powerconsumption is small after the bicycle operation is finished.Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycleelectric component according to the first or second aspect comprises abicycle component controller configured to change from the firstoperating mode to the second operating mode in a state where thewireless communicator has not received the wireless signal for a secondthreshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the third aspect, it ispossible to change to the second operating mode in which a powerconsumption is small when it is presumed that the bicycle is not used.Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a bicycleelectric component comprises a wireless communicator, a power source,and a switcher. The wireless communicator is configured to receive awireless signal. The power source is configured to supply a firstelectric power to the wireless communicator. The switcher is configuredto change an electric connection state between the wireless communicatorand the power source. The switcher includes an electric generatorconfigured to generate a second electric power by an external input to abicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the fourth aspect, theswitcher is configured to connect the wireless communicator and thepower source when the bicycle is operated. Accordingly, it is possibleto reduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleelectric component according to the fourth aspect is configured so thatthe switcher is configured to change the electric connection statebetween the wireless communicator and the power source to anelectrically connected state when the electric generator of the switchergenerates the electric power by the external input to the bicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the fifth aspect, it ispossible to further reduce power consumption when the bicycle is notoperated.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, a bicycleelectric component comprises a wireless communicator, a casing, and anelectromagnetic shield. The wireless communicator is configured toreceive a wireless signal. The casing has an internal space. Thewireless communicator is disposed in the internal space of the casing.The electromagnetic shield includes a shield member to cover at least apart of the wireless communicator. The shield member of theelectromagnetic shield is a separate member with respect to the casing.

With the bicycle electric component according to the sixth aspect, auser can move the electromagnetic shield to cover the at least a part ofthe wireless communicator WC to disable or reduce wireless communicationwhen the user does not operate the bicycle. Accordingly, it is possibleto reduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the sixth aspect is configuredso that the casing includes a first connecting member. Theelectromagnetic shield includes a second connecting member to detachablyconnect the shield member to the first connecting member.

With the bicycle electric component according to the seventh aspect, thecasing and the electromagnetic shield have simple structure enough forthe user to move the electromagnetic shield manually.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the sixth aspect furthercomprises a detector and a shield actuator. The detector is to detect anoperational state of a bicycle. The shield actuator is to move theshield member in response to the operational state of the bicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the eighth aspect, theshield actuator can automatically move the electromagnetic shield tocover the at least a part of the wireless communicator to disable orreduce wireless communication when the bicycle is not operated.Accordingly, the bicycle electric component can provide convenience to auser.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleelectric component according to the eighth aspect is configured so thatthe casing includes a third connecting member. The electromagneticshield includes a fourth connecting member to movably connect the shieldmember to the third connecting member.

With the bicycle electric component according to the ninth aspect, thecasing and the electromagnetic shield have simple structure enough forthe shield actuator to move the electromagnetic shield automatically.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleelectric component according to the eighth or ninth aspect is configuredso that the shield actuator is configured to move the shield member touncover at least a part of the wireless communicator in a state wherethe detector detects the operational state of the bicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the tenth aspect, theshield actuator can automatically move the electromagnetic shield touncover the at least a part of the wireless communicator to enable orincrease wireless communication when the bicycle is operated.Accordingly, the bicycle electric component can provide more convenienceto a user.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the tenth aspect is configuredso that the shield actuator is configured to move the shield member tocover the at least a part of the wireless communicator in a state wherethe detector has not detected the operational state of the bicycle for athird threshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the eleventh aspect,the user does not need any operation to cover the at least a part of thewireless communicator to disable or decrease wireless communication whenthe bicycle is not operated. Accordingly, the bicycle electric componentcan provide further convenience to a user.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the tenth or eleventh aspect isconfigured so that the shield actuator is configured to move the shieldmember to cover the at least a part of the wireless communicator in astate where the wireless communicator has not received the wirelesssignal for a fourth threshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the twelfth aspect, theshield actuator can automatically move the electromagnetic shield tocover the at least a part of the wireless communicator to disable orreduce wireless communication when it is presumed that the bicycle isnot used. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce powerconsumption.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component comprises a detector and a wirelesscommunicator. The detector is to detect an operational state of abicycle. The wireless communicator is configured to receive a wirelesssignal. The wireless communicator includes a sensitivity changer tochange a sensitivity of the wireless communicator. The sensitivitychanger increases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator in astate where the detector detects the operational state of the bicycle.

With the bicycle electric component according to the thirteenth aspect,it is possible to decrease wireless communication while the bicycle isnot operated. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce power consumptionwhen the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth aspect isconfigured so that the wireless communicator includes a receivingcircuit and an antenna. The sensitivity changer is configured toelectrically disconnect the receiving circuit and the antenna to reducethe sensitivity of the wireless communicator in a state where thedetector has not detected the operational state of the bicycle for afifth threshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the fourteenth aspect,it is possible to disable wireless communication while the bicycle isnot operated. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce powerconsumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth or fourteenthaspect is configured so that the wireless communicator includes areceiving circuit and an antenna. The sensitivity changer is configuredto electrically disconnect the receiving circuit and the antenna toreduce the sensitivity of the wireless communicator in a state where thewireless communicator has not received the wireless signal for a sixththreshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the fifteenth aspect,it is possible to disable wireless communication while it is presumedthat the bicycle is not operated. Accordingly, it is possible to furtherreduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth aspect isconfigured so that the wireless communicator includes at least oneamplifier. The sensitivity changer is configured to decrease a gain ofthe at least one amplifier in a state where the detector has notdetected the operational state of the bicycle for a seventh thresholdtime period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the sixteenth aspect,it is possible to decrease wireless communication while the bicycle isnot operated. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce powerconsumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth or sixteenthaspect is configured so that the wireless communicator includes at leastone amplifier. The sensitivity changer is configured to decrease a gainof the at least one amplifier in a state where the wireless communicatorhas not received the wireless signal for an eighth threshold timeperiod.

With the bicycle electric component according to the seventeenth aspect,it is possible to decrease wireless communication while it is presumedthat the bicycle is not operated. Accordingly, it is possible to furtherreduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with an eighteen aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth aspect isconfigured so that the wireless communicator includes at least one bandpass filter. The sensitivity changer is configured to control the atleast one band pass filter to block the wireless signal in a state wherethe detector has not detected the operational state of the bicycle for aninth threshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the eighteenth aspect,it is possible to decrease wireless communication while the bicycle isnot operated. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce powerconsumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to the thirteenth or eighteenthaspect is configured so that the wireless communicator includes at leastone band pass filter. The sensitivity changer is configured to controlthe at least one band pass filter to block the wireless signal in astate where the wireless communicator has not received the wirelesssignal for a tenth threshold time period.

With the bicycle electric component according to the nineteenth aspect,it is possible to decrease wireless communication while it is presumedthat the bicycle is not operated. Accordingly, it is possible to furtherreduce power consumption when the bicycle is not operated.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to any one of the first tonineteenth aspects is configured so that the detector includes at leastone of a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, a rotation sensor, astrain sensor, and a bicycle lock-state sensor.

With the bicycle electric component according to the twentieth aspect,the operational state of the bicycle can be detected based on an outputfrom the at least one of the vibration sensor, the pressure sensor, therotation sensor, the strain sensor, and the bicycle lock-state sensor.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the bicycleis not operated.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle electric component according to any one of the first totwentieth aspects comprises at least one of a derailleur, an adjustableseatpost, a suspension, and an auxiliary drive unit.

With the bicycle electric component according to the twenty-firstaspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption in wirelesscommunication between the bicycle electric component and an operationcontroller of the bicycle when the bicycle is not operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle provided with a bicycleelectric component in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the bicycle electric component and abicycle electric operating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle electric componentand the bicycle electric operating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the bicycle electric component (an electricfront suspension) illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the bicycle electric component (arear derailleur) illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bicycle electric component (anadjustable seatpost) illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart of a first operating mode and a secondoperating mode of the bicycle electric component illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3.

FIG. 8 is another timing chart of a first operating mode and a secondoperating mode of the bicycle electric component illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a bicycle electric component inaccordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of a first operating mode and a secondoperating mode of the bicycle electric component illustrated in FIG. 9in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a bicycle electric component inaccordance with a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of a first operating mode and a secondoperating mode of the bicycle electric component illustrated in FIG. 11in accordance with the modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle electric componentillustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a modification of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic structure of a bicycle electriccomponent in accordance with a modification of the seventh embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 includes a bicycle electriccomponent 12 in accordance with a first embodiment. While the bicycle 10is illustrated as a mountain bike, the bicycle electric component 12 canbe applied to a road bike or any type of bicycle.

The bicycle electric component 12 comprises at least one of a derailleur(a bicycle rear derailleur RD) 14, an adjustable seatpost 16, asuspension (an electric front suspension FS, an electric rear suspensionRS) 18, and an auxiliary drive unit 20. However, the bicycle electriccomponent 12 can include another electric device such as an electricinternal hub transmission, an electric continuously variabletransmission, and an electric gearbox.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 includes a bicycle body B, a crankassembly BC1, a rear sprocket assembly BC2, a saddle BC3, and a bicyclechain C. The bicycle body B includes a bicycle frame B1, a handlebar B2,a stem B3, a front fork B4, and a rear swing arm B5. The handlebar B2 iscoupled to the front fork B4 with the stem B3. The electric frontsuspension FS is mounted to the front fork B4. The electric rearsuspension RS couples the bicycle frame B1 to the rear swing arm B5. Thesaddle BC3 is attached to the adjustable seatpost 16. The adjustableseatpost 16 is mounted to the bicycle body B to change a position of thesaddle BC3 relative to the bicycle body B.

The bicycle chain C engages with a front sprocket BC11 of the crankassembly BC1 and the rear sprocket assembly BC2. The derailleur 14 (thebicycle rear derailleur RD) shifts the bicycle chain C relative to therear sprocket assembly BC2 to change a speed stage. In the illustratedembodiment, the front sprocket BC11 is a single (solitary) sprocket inthe crank assembly BC1 while the rear sprocket assembly BC2 has twelvespeed stages. However, the crank assembly BC1 can include a plurality offront sprockets. In such an embodiment, the bicycle 10 includes, as thederailleur 14, a front derailleur configured to shift the bicycle chainC relative to the plurality of front sprockets.

The bicycle 10 includes the auxiliary drive unit 20 mounted to thebicycle body B to assist pedaling. The auxiliary drive unit 20 isconfigured to generate an auxiliary drive force in accordance with apedaling torque. The auxiliary drive unit 20 is coupled to the crankassembly BC1 to transmit the auxiliary drive force to the crank assemblyBC1. The auxiliary drive unit 20 can be omitted from the bicycleelectric component 12.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,”“rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who sits on the saddle BC3 with facing the handlebar B2.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle electriccomponent 12, should be interpreted relative to the bicycle 10 equippedwith the bicycle electric component 12 as used in an upright ridingposition on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 1, the rear sprocket assembly BC2 includes first totwelfth rear sprockets R1 to R12. Each of the first to twelfth rearsprockets R1 to R12 has a different total number of teeth. A totalnumber of the rear sprockets R1 to R12 is not limited to thisembodiment. The first rear sprocket R1 has the largest number of teethin the rear sprocket assembly BC2. The twelfth rear sprocket R12 has thesmallest number of teeth in the rear sprocket assembly BC2. The firstrear sprocket R1 corresponds to low gear. The twelfth rear sprocket R12corresponds to top gear. The bicycle electric component 12 is configuredto shift the bicycle chain C relative to the first to twelfth rearsprockets R1 to R12 to change a gear stage of the bicycle 10.

Bicycle Electric Operating Device

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle 10 comprises a bicycle electric operatingdevice 22. The bicycle electric operating device 22 is mounted to thehandlebar B2 (FIG. 1). The bicycle electric operating device 22 includesa first operating device 24 and a second operating device 26. The firstoperating device 24 and the second operating device 26 are mounted tothe handlebar B2 (FIG. 1). The first operating device 24 is a right-handcontrol device. The second operating device 26 is a left-hand controldevice. However, the bicycle electric operating device 22 can includeanother operating device instead of or in addition to the firstoperating device 24 and the second operating device 26. One of the firstoperating device 24 and the second operating device 26 can be omittedfrom the bicycle electric operating device 22.

In this embodiment, the bicycle electric operating device 22 iswirelessly connected to the bicycle electric component 12. Morespecifically, the first operating device 24 and the second operatingdevice 26 are wirelessly connected to at least one of the derailleur 14,the adjustable seatpost 16, the suspension 18, and the auxiliary driveunit 20. In FIG. 2, only the bicycle rear derailleur RD is illustratedas the derailleur 14, and only the electric front suspension FS isillustrated as the suspension 18. However, the electric rear suspensionRS is also wirelessly connected to the bicycle electric operating device22, and a front derailleur, which is not illustrated, can be wirelesslyconnected to the bicycle electric operating device 22.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first operating device 24 is configured toreceive an upshift user input U11 from the user. The second operatingdevice 26 is configured to receive a downshift user input U21 from theuser. The first operating device 24 is configured to wirelessly transmitan upshift control signal WS11 to the bicycle electric component 12 inresponse to the upshift user input U11. The second operating device 26is configured to wirelessly transmit a downshift control signal WS21 tothe bicycle electric component 12 in response to the downshift userinput U21. More specifically, the upshift control signal WS11 and thedownshift control signal WS21 are transmitted to the derailleur 14 (thebicycle rear derailleur RD).

The first operating device 24 is configured to receive an unlock userinput U12A and a lock user input U12B. The first operating device 24 isconfigured to wirelessly transmit an unlock control signal WS12A to thesuspension 18 (the bicycle electric component 12) in response to theunlock user input U12A. The first operating device 24 is configured towirelessly transmit a lock control signal WS12B to the suspension 18(the bicycle electric component 12) in response to the lock user inputU12B. The suspension 18 has an unlocked state and a locked state andchanges a state between the unlocked state and the locked state based onthe unlock control signal WS12A and the lock control signal WS12B.

The first operating device 24 is configured to receive an assist userinput U13. The assist user input U13 includes a first-mode user inputU13A, a second-mode user input U13B, and a third-mode user input U13C.The first operating device 24 is configured to wirelessly transmit afirst-mode control signal WS13A to the auxiliary drive unit 20 (thebicycle electric component 12) in response to the first-mode user inputU13A. The first operating device 24 is configured to wirelessly transmita second-mode control signal WS13B to the auxiliary drive unit 20 (thebicycle electric component 12) in response to the second-mode user inputU13B. The first operating device 24 is configured to wirelessly transmita third-mode control signal WS13C to the auxiliary drive unit 20 (thebicycle electric component 12) in response to the third-mode user inputU13C.

The second operating device 26 is configured to receive a seatpost userinput U22. The seatpost user input U22 includes a first seatpost userinput U22A and a second seatpost user input U22B. The second operatingdevice 26 is configured to wirelessly transmit a first seatpost controlsignal WS22A to the adjustable seatpost 16 (the bicycle electriccomponent 12) in response to the first seatpost user input U22A. Thesecond operating device 26 is configured to wirelessly transmit a secondseatpost control signal WS22B to the adjustable seatpost 16 (the bicycleelectric component 12) in response to the second seatpost user inputU22B. The adjustable seatpost 16 shortens an overall length based on thefirst seatpost control signal WS22A. The adjustable seatpost 16lengthens the overall length based on the second seatpost control signalWS22B.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first operating device 24 includes an upshiftswitch SW11, a lock operation switch SW12, an assist operation switchSW13, a first operation controller OC1, a first operation wirelesscommunicator OWC1, and a first circuit board Bo1. The upshift switchSW11, the lock operation switch SW12, the assist operation switch SW13,the first operation controller OC1, and the first operation wirelesscommunicator OWC1 are electrically mounted on the first circuit boardBo1. The upshift switch SW11 is configured to receive the upshift userinput U11 from the user. The lock operation switch SW12 is configured toreceive the unlock user input U12A and the lock user input U12B from theuser. The assist operation switch SW13 is configured to receive theassist user input U13 from the user. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, theupshift switch SW11 includes a push-button switch. The lock operationswitch SW12 includes two-position switch having two positionscorresponding to the unlock user input U12A and the lock user inputU12B. The assist operation switch SW13 includes a three-position switchhaving three positions corresponding to the first-mode to third-modeuser input U13A to U13C.

The first operation controller OC1 is electrically connected to theupshift switch SW11 to generate the upshift control signal WS11 inresponse to the upshift user input U11 received by the upshift switchSW11. The first operation controller OC1 is electrically connected tothe lock operation switch SW12 to generate the unlock control signalWS12A in response to the unlock user input U12A received by the lockoperation switch SW12. The first operation controller OC1 iselectrically connected to the lock operation switch SW12 to generate thelock control signal WS12B in response to the lock user input U12Breceived by the lock operation switch SW12.

The first operation controller OC1 is electrically connected to theassist operation switch SW13 to generate an assist control signal WS13in response to the assist user input U13 received by the assistoperation switch SW13. Specifically, the first operation controller OC1is configured to generate the first-mode control signal WS13A inresponse to the first-mode user input U13A received by the assistoperation switch SW13. The first operation controller OC1 is configuredto generate the second-mode control signal WS13B in response to thesecond-mode user input U13B received by the assist operation switchSW13. The first operation controller OC1 is configured to generate thethird-mode control signal WS13C in response to the third-mode user inputU13C received by the assist operation switch SW13.

In this embodiment, the first operation controller OC1 includes aprocessor Pr1, a memory Mo1, and a first operation controller powersupply OPS1. The processor Pr1 and the memory Mo1 are electricallymounted on the first circuit board Bo1. The processor Pr1 includes acentral processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory Mo1 iselectrically connected to the processor Pr1. The memory Mo1 includes aread only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM). The ROMincludes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAMincludes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo1includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM.The processor Pr1 controls the memory Mo1 to store data in the storageareas of the memory Mo1 and reads data from the storage areas of thememory Mo1. The memory Mo1 (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The programis read into the processor Pr1, and thereby functions of the firstoperation controller OC1 is performed.

The memory Mo1 stores identification information ID11 of the firstoperating device 24. The identification information ID11 of the firstoperating device 24 includes a unique device identifier (ID) (e.g., avalue indicative of a shift operating device) of the first operatingdevice 24. The identification information ID11 of the first operatingdevice 24 further includes a value indicative of a device type such as“right-hand side” or “left-hand side.”

The first operation controller power supply OPS1 is electricallyconnected to the first operation controller OC1, the upshift switchSW11, the lock operation switch SW12, the assist operation switch SW13,and the first operation wireless communicator OWC1 to supply electricityto the first operation controller OC1, the upshift switch SW11, the lockoperation switch SW12, the assist operation switch SW13, and the firstoperation wireless communicator OWC1. The first operation controllerpower supply OPS1 can include a primary battery such as a lithiummanganese dioxide battery and a secondary battery such as a lithium-ionsecondary battery. However, the first operation controller power supplyOPS1 can include an electricity generation element configured togenerate the electricity using pressure and/or vibration caused by anoperation of the upshift switch SW11, the lock operation switch SW12,the assist operation switch SW13. In this embodiment, the firstoperation controller power supply OPS1 includes a primary buttonbattery.

The first operation wireless communicator OWC1 includes a signaltransmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus,the first operation wireless communicator OWC1 can also be referred toas a first operation wireless communication circuit or circuitry OWC1.The first operation wireless communicator OWC1 is electrically connectedto the first operation controller OC1 to wirelessly transmit the upshiftcontrol signal WS11, the unlock control signal WS12A, the lock controlsignal WS12B, and the first-mode to third-mode control signals WS13A toWS13C to the bicycle electric component 12 (the derailleur 14, thesuspension 18, and the auxiliary drive unit 20). The first operationwireless communicator OWC1 is configured to wirelessly transmit theupshift control signal WS11, the unlock control signal WS12A, the lockcontrol signal WS12B, and the first-mode to third-mode control signalsWS13A to WS13C including the identification information ID11. The firstoperation wireless communicator OWC1 can be configured to superimposethe upshift control signal WS11, the unlock control signal WS12A, thelock control signal WS12B, and the first-mode to third-mode controlsignals WS13A to WS13C on carrier wave using a predetermined wirelesscommunication protocol.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second operating device 26 includes a downshiftswitch SW21, a seatpost operation switch SW22, a second operationcontroller OC2, a second operation wireless communicator OWC2, and asecond circuit board Bo2. The downshift switch SW21, the seatpostoperation switch SW22, the second operation controller OC2, and thesecond operation wireless communicator OWC2 are electrically mounted onthe second circuit board Bo2. The downshift switch SW21 is configured toreceive the downshift user input U21 from the user. The seatpostoperation switch SW22 is configured to receive the seatpost user inputU22 from the user. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, the downshift switchSW21 includes a push-button switch. The seatpost operation switch SW22includes a two-position switch having two positions corresponding to thefirst and second seatpost user inputs U22A and U22B.

The second operation controller OC2 is electrically connected to thedownshift switch SW21 to generate the downshift control signal WS21 inresponse to the downshift user input U21 received by the downshiftswitch SW21. The second operation controller OC2 is electricallyconnected to the seatpost operation switch SW22 to generate a seatpostcontrol signal WS22 in response to the seatpost user input U22 receivedby the seatpost operation switch SW22. Specifically, the secondoperation controller OC2 is configured to generate the first seatpostcontrol signal WS22A in response to the first seatpost user input U22Areceived by the seatpost operation switch SW22. The second operationcontroller OC2 is configured to generate the second seatpost controlsignal WS22B in response to the second seatpost user input U22B receivedby the seatpost operation switch SW22.

In this embodiment, the second operation controller OC2 includes aprocessor Pr2, a memory Mo2, and a second operation controller powersupply OPS2. The processor Pr2 and the memory Mo2 are electricallymounted on the second circuit board Bo2. The processor Pr2 includes aCPU and a memory controller. The memory Mo2 is electrically connected tothe processor Pr2. The memory Mo2 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROMincludes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAMincludes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo2includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM.The processor Pr2 controls the memory Mo2 to store data in the storageareas of the memory Mo2 and reads data from the storage areas of thememory Mo2. The memory Mo2 (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The programis read into the processor Pr2, and thereby functions of the secondoperation controller OC2 is performed.

The memory Mo2 stores identification information ID12 of the secondoperating device 26. The identification information ID12 of the secondoperating device 26 includes a unique device identifier (ID) (e.g., avalue indicative of a shift operating device) of the second operatingdevice 26. The identification information ID12 of the second operatingdevice 26 further includes a value indicative of a device type such as“right-hand side” or “left-hand side.”

The second operation controller power supply OPS2 is electricallyconnected to the second operation controller OC2, the downshift switchSW21, the seatpost operation switch SW22, and the second operationwireless communicator OWC2 to supply electricity to the second operationcontroller OC2, the downshift switch SW21, the seatpost operation switchSW22, and the second operation wireless communicator OWC2. The secondoperation controller power supply OPS2 can include a primary batterysuch as a lithium manganese dioxide battery, and a secondary batterysuch as a lithium-ion secondary battery. However, the second operationcontroller power supply OPS2 can include an electricity generationelement configured to generate the electricity using pressure and/orvibration caused by an operation of the downshift switch SW21 and theseatpost operation switch SW22. In this embodiment, the second operationcontroller battery OPS2 includes a primary button battery.

The second operation wireless communicator OWC2 includes a signaltransmitting circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an antenna. Thus,the second operation wireless communicator OWC2 can also be referred toas a second operation wireless communication circuit or circuitry OWC2.The second operation wireless communicator OWC2 is electricallyconnected to the second operation controller OC2 to wirelessly transmitthe downshift control signal WS21 and the seatpost control signal WS22to the bicycle electric component 12 (the derailleur 14 and theadjustable seatpost 16). The second operation wireless communicator OWC2is configured to wirelessly transmit the downshift control signal WS21and the seatpost control signal WS22 including the identificationinformation ID12. The second operation wireless communicator OWC2 can beconfigured to superimpose the downshift control signal WS21 and theseatpost control signal WS22 on carrier wave using a predeterminedwireless communication protocol.

Suspension

As seen in FIG. 4, the electric front suspension FS includes a firstsuspension tube FS1, a second suspension tube FS2, a valve structureFSV, and a first electric actuator FSA. The first suspension tube FS1has a center axis A11. The second suspension tube FS2 is telescopicallyreceived in the first suspension tube FS1. The valve structure FSV isconfigured to change the damping characteristic of the electric frontsuspension FS. The first electric actuator FSA is coupled to the valvestructure FSV to actuate the valve structure FSV. The first electricactuator FSA is mounted on an upper end of the second suspension tubeFS2. However, the first electric actuator FSA can be provided at otherpositions.

In this embodiment, the electric front suspension FS has the unlockedstate and the locked state. The valve structure FSV at least changes astate of the electric front suspension FS between the unlocked state andthe locked state. In the locked state of the valve structure FSV, thefirst suspension tube FS1 is locked relative to the second suspensiontube FS2 in the telescopic direction D1. However, the first suspensiontube FS1 can be slightly moved in the locked state of the valvestructure FSV, when a large shock from terrain is applied to theelectric front suspension FS. For example, a fluid passageway (notshown) of the valve structure FSV is closed by a valve (not shown) ofthe valve structure FSV in the locked state. In the unlocked state ofthe valve structure FSV, the first suspension tube FS1 and the secondsuspension tube FS2 are movable relative to each other in the telescopicdirection D1 to absorb shocks from rough terrain. For example, the fluidpassageway (not shown) of the valve structure FSV is released by thevalve (not shown) of the valve structure FSV in the unlocked state. Thefirst electric actuator FSA is operatively coupled to the valvestructure FSV to change a state of the valve structure FSV between theunlocked state and the locked state. Valve structures for bicyclesuspensions are well known in the bicycle field. Thus, the valvestructure FSV can be any type of suitable lockout device as neededand/or desired.

The electric front suspension FS can have an intermediate state betweenthe unlocked state and the locked state. For example, a cross section ofthe fluid passageway (not shown) at the valve (not shown) in theintermediate state is smaller than a cross section of the fluidpassageway (not shown) at the valve (not shown) in the unlocked state.

Similarly, the electric front suspension FS comprises a third suspensiontube FS3, a fourth suspension tube FS4, and a stroke adjustmentstructure FSAS. The third suspension tube FS3 has a center axis A12. Thefourth suspension tube FS4 is telescopically received in the thirdsuspension tube FS3.

In this embodiment, the stroke adjustment structure FSAS is configuredto change a stroke of the electric front suspension FS. The strokeadjustment structure FSAS is configured to change a relative position ofthe third suspension tube FS3 and the fourth suspension tube FS4 betweena long-stroke position and a short-stroke position in the telescopicdirection D1. The stroke adjustment structure FSAS is manually operatedby the user to change the resistance. Stroke adjustment devices forbicycle suspensions are well known in the bicycle field. Thus, thestroke adjustment structure FSAS can be any type of suitable strokeadjustment device as needed and/or desired.

The second and fourth suspension tubes FS2 and FS4 are coupled to acrown FS5. The first suspension tube FS1 is coupled to the thirdsuspension tube FS3 with a coupling arm FS6. The first and thirdsuspension tubes FS1 and FS3 are integrally movable relative to thesecond and fourth suspension tubes FS2 and FS4 to absorb shocks. In theunlocked state of the valve structure FSV, the first suspension tube FS1and the third suspension tube FS3 are respectively movable relative tothe second suspension tube FS2 and the fourth suspension tube FS4 in thetelescopic direction D1 to absorb shocks from rough terrain.

As seen in FIG. 3, the suspension 18 (the electric front suspension FS)further includes a valve position sensor FSS. The valve position sensorFSS is configured to sense the state of the valve structure FSV with thefirst electric actuator FSA. In this embodiment, the valve positionsensor FSS is a contact rotational position sensor such as apotentiometer. The valve position sensor FSS is configured to sense anabsolute rotational position of the rotational shaft of the firstelectric actuator FSA as the state of the valve structure FSV. Otherexamples of the valve position sensor FSS include a non-contactrotational position sensor such as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotaryencoder) and a magnetic sensor (e.g., a hall sensor).

The bicycle electric component 12 (the suspension 18 (the electric frontsuspension FS)) comprises a wireless communicator WC configured toreceive a wireless signal WS12A, WS12B. In the following description,the wireless communicator WC of the electric front suspension FS isspecifically referred to as a first wireless communicator WC1. Thebicycle electric component 12 (the suspension 18 (the electric frontsuspension FS)) comprises a bicycle component controller CC. In thefollowing description, the bicycle component controller CC of theelectric front suspension FS is specifically referred to as a firstbicycle component controller CC1. The first electric actuator FSA, thevalve position sensor FSS, and the first wireless communicator WC1 areelectrically connected to the first bicycle component controller CC1.

The first bicycle component controller CC1 is configured to control thefirst electric actuator FSA based on the unlock control signal WS12A andthe lock control signal WS12B transmitted from the bicycle electricoperating device 22 via the first wireless communicator WC1 as well asthe position sensed by the valve position sensor FSS. Specifically, thefirst bicycle component controller CC1 is configured to control thefirst electric actuator FSA to open the fluid passageway of the valvestructure FSV to change the state of the valve structure FSV to theunlocked state based on the sensed position and the unlock controlsignal WS12A. The first controller CR1 is configured to control thefirst electric actuator FSA to close the fluid passageway of the valvestructure FSV to change the state of the valve structure FSV to thelocked state based on the sensed position and the lock control signalWS12B.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first bicycle component controller CC1 isconstituted as a microcomputer and includes a processor Pr3 and a memoryMo3. The processor Pr3 includes a CPU and a memory controller. Thememory Mo3 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo3 includes storage areaseach having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor Pr3 isconfigured to control the memory Mo3 to store data in the storage areasof the memory Mo3 and to read data from the storage areas of the memoryMo3.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo3 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr3, and thereby functionsof the first bicycle component controller CC1 are performed. Theprocessor Pr3 and the memory Mo3 are mounted on a circuit board Bo3 andare connected to each other with the bus Bu1. The first bicyclecomponent controller CC1 can also be referred to as a first bicyclecomponent control circuit or circuitry CC1.

Further, the bicycle electric component 12 (the suspension 18 (theelectric front suspension FS)) comprises a detector DT to detect anoperational state of the bicycle 10. In the following description, thedetector DT of the electric front suspension FS is specifically referredto as a first detector DT1. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the detector DTincludes at least one of a vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, a pressure sensorSp1, Sp2, Sp3, a rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, a strain sensorSs1, Ss2, and a bicycle lock-state sensor Sk. As seen in FIG. 3, thedetector DT further includes an input interface IF through which anoutput signal from the at least one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2,the pressure sensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3,Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1, Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk isinputted via the wireless communicator WC or an electric cable connectedto the at least one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressuresensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strainsensor Ss1, Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk. In the followingdescription, the input interface IF of the first detector DT1 isspecifically referred to as a first input interface IF1.

The vibration sensors Sv1 and Sv2 are typically acceleration sensors.For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the vibration sensors Sv1 and Sv2 aremounted to the electric front suspension FS and the rear swing arm B5,respectively. However, at least one of the vibration sensors Sv1 and Sv2can be mounted to other positions than the electric front suspension FSand the rear swing arm B5 such as the third suspension tube FS3 and thebicycle body B. The vibration sensors Sv1 and Sv2 are configured todetect acceleration applied to the bicycle 10. Typically, the vibrationsensor Sv1 is connected to the first input interface IF1 via theelectric cable and is configured to output a signal including an amountof the acceleration to the first detector DT1 via the electric cable.The vibration sensor Sv2 is connected to a second wireless communicatorWC2 (See FIG. 3) attached to the bicycle rear derailleur RD via anelectric cable and is configured to output a signal including an amountof the acceleration to the detector DT (the first detector DT1) viawireless communication between the first wireless communicator WC1 andthe second wireless communicator WC2. However, the vibration sensor Sv1can output the signal to the first detector DT1 via wirelesscommunication, and the vibration sensor Sv2 can output the signal to thedetector DT (the first detector DT1) via wired communication.

The pressure sensor Sp1 is typically a strain gauge attached to abicycle pedal PED. The pressure sensor Sp1 is configured to detect astrain amount in accordance with a pressure applied to the bicycle pedalPED. The pressure sensors Sp2 and Sp3 are typically film-shaped pressuresensors attached to the handlebar B2 and the saddle BC3, respectively.The pressure sensors Sp2 and Sp3 are configured to detect capacitychanges in accordance with deformation of films of the pressure sensorsSp2 and Sp3 due to pressures applied to the handlebar B2 and the saddleBC3, respectively. However, the above description regarding the pressuresensors Sp1 to Sp3 is merely an example. The pressure sensors Sp1 to Sp3may be different types of sensors to detect pressures applied to thebicycle pedal PED, the handlebar B2, and the saddle BC3, respectively.Typically, the pressure sensor Sp1 has a battery and a wirelesstransmitter to wirelessly transmit a signal including an amount of thepressure to the detector DT (the first detector DT1) via wirelesscommunication between the wireless transmitter and the first wirelesscommunicator WC1. The pressure sensor Sp2 is connected to at least oneof the first operation wireless communicator OWC1 and the secondoperation wireless communicator OWC2 via an electric cable and isconfigured to output the signal to the detector DT (the first detectorDT1) via wireless communication between the first wireless communicatorWC1 and the at least one of the first operation wireless communicatorOWC1 and the second operation wireless communicator OWC2. The pressuresensor Sp3 is electrically connected to a third wireless communicatorWC3 (See FIG. 3) attached to the adjustable seatpost 16 and isconfigured to output a signal including an amount of the pressure to thedetector DT (the first detector DT1) via wireless communication betweenthe first wireless communicator WC1 and the third wireless communicatorWC3. However, the pressure sensors Sp1 to Sp3 are connected to differentwireless communicators. Alternatively, the pressure sensors Sp1 to Sp3can output the signal to the detector DT (the first detector DT1) viawired communication.

The rotation sensors Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4 are used with magnetizedparts Mr1, Mr2, Mr3, and Mr4, respectively. For example, each of themagnetized parts Mr1, Mr2, Mr3, and Mr4 includes a permanent magnet.Each of the rotation sensors Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4 includes a magneticsensor. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the magnetized part Mr1 is attachedto a first pulley RD22, which is described below. The rotation sensorSr1 is attached to a chain guide RD21, which will be described below.When the user pedals the bicycle 10, the first pulley RD22 rotatesrelative to the chain guide RD21. The magnetized part Ma passes througha sensing area of the rotation sensor Sr1 by each rotation of the firstpulley RD22 so that the rotation sensor Sr1 senses the rotation of thefirst pulley RD22. The rotation sensor Sr1 is connected to the secondwireless communicator WC2 attached to the bicycle rear derailleur RD viaan electric cable and is configured to output a signal indicating therotation to the detector DT (the first detector DT1) via wirelesscommunication between the first wireless communicator WC1 and the secondwireless communicator WC2. However, the rotation sensor Sr1 can beconnected to a different wireless communicator from the second wirelesscommunicator WC2. Alternatively, the rotation sensor Sr1 can output thesignal to the detector DT (the first detector DT1) via wiredcommunication.

As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetized part Mr2 is attached to a spoke ofthe rear wheel Wr. The rotation sensor Sr2 is attached to the rear swingarm B5. When the user pedals the bicycle 10, the rear wheel Wr rotatesrelative to the bicycle frame B1 (specifically, the rear swing arm B5).The magnetized part Mr2 passes through a sensing area of the rotationsensor Sr2 by each rotation of the rear wheel Wr so that the rotationsensor Sr2 senses the rotation of the rear wheel Wr. As shown in FIG. 1,the magnetized part Mr3 is attached to the bicycle chain C. Themagnetized part Mr3 can be a magnetized link plate of the bicycle chainC. The rotation sensor Sr3 is attached to the bicycle frame B1 adjacentto an outer periphery of the front sprocket BC11. When the user pedalsthe bicycle 10, the bicycle chain C rotates relative to the bicycleframe B1. The magnetized part Mr3 passes through a sensing area of therotation sensor Sr3 by each rotation of the bicycle chain C so that therotation sensor Sr3 senses the rotation of the bicycle chain C. As shownin FIG. 1, the magnetized part Mr4 is attached to the crank assemblyBC1. As shown in FIG. 1, the crank assembly BC1 includes crank arms CAR.The magnetized part Mr4 is attached to one of the crank arms CAR. Therotation sensor Sr4 is attached to bicycle frame B1. When the userpedals the bicycle 10, the crank assembly BC1 (specifically, the crankarms CAR) rotates relative to the bicycle frame B1. The magnetized partMr4 passes through a sensing area of the rotation sensor Sr4 by eachrotation of the crank arms CAR so that the rotation sensor Sr4 sensesthe rotation of the crank assembly BC1. Typically, the rotation sensorsSr2, Sr3, and Sr4 are connected to a fourth wireless communicator WC4(See FIG. 3) attached to the auxiliary drive unit 20 and is configuredto output a signal indicating the rotation to the detector DT (the firstdetector DT1) via wireless communication between the first wirelesscommunicator WC1 and the fourth wireless communicator WC4. However, atleast one of the rotation sensors Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4 are connected to adifferent wireless communicator. Alternatively, at least one of therotation sensors Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4 can output the signal to the detectorDT (the first detector DT1) via wired communication.

The strain sensor Ss1 is typically a strain gauge attached to the crankassembly BC1. As shown in FIG. 1, the crank assembly BC1 includes acrank axle CAX connected to crank arms CAR. The strain sensor Ss1 isconfigured to detect a twist of the crank axle CAX due to the user'spedaling. The strain sensor Ss2 is typically a strain gauge attached tothe front sprocket BC11. The strain sensor Ss2 is configured to detect adistortion of the front sprocket BC11 due to the user's pedaling. Eachof the strain sensors Ss1 and Ss2 has a battery and a wirelesscommunicator to wirelessly transmit its output signal to the firstwireless communicator WC1.

The bicycle lock-state sensor Sk is typically an electrical switch totransmit a signal when the bicycle is unlocked. For example, the bicyclelock-state sensor Sk is turned off when a latch passes through a spacebetween the spokes of the rear wheel Wr, and the bicycle lock-statesensor Sk is turned on when the latch moves to an unlock position.Typically, the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk is connected to the fourthwireless communicator WC4 attached to the auxiliary drive unit 20 and isconfigured to output the signal indicating the position of the latch tothe detector DT (the first detector DT1) via wireless communicationbetween the first wireless communicator WC1 and the fourth wirelesscommunicator WC4. However, the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk is connectedto a different wireless communicator. Alternatively, the bicyclelock-state sensor Sk can output the signal to the detector DT (the firstdetector DT1) via wired communication.

In this embodiment, the detector DT is configured to detect theoperational state of the bicycle 10 based on the signal from the atleast one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1,Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1,Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk. For example, the detector DTis configured to determine the operational state of the bicycle 10 whenthe detector DT detects the acceleration indicated by the signal fromthe at least one vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2 is over a vibration thresholdwhich is predetermined. The detector DT can be configured to determinethe non-operational state of the bicycle 10 when the detector DT detectsthe acceleration has been below the vibration threshold for a thresholdtime (e.g. a sampling time). The detector DT is configured to determinethe operational state of the bicycle 10 when the detector DT detects thepressure indicated by the signal from the at least one pressure sensorSp1, Sp2, Sp3 is over a pressure threshold which is predetermined. Thedetector DT can be configured to determine the non-operational state ofthe bicycle 10 when the detector DT detects the pressure has been belowthe pressure threshold for the threshold time. The detector DT isconfigured to determine the operational state of the bicycle 10 when thedetector DT detects the strain amount indicated by the signal from theat least one strain sensor Ss1, Ss2 is over a strain threshold which ispredetermined. The detector DT can be configured to determine thenon-operational state of the bicycle 10 when the detector DT detects thestrain amount has been below the strain threshold for the thresholdtime. The detector DT is configured to determine the operational stateof the bicycle 10 when the detector DT detects the signal from the atleast one rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, which indicates at leastone rotation is detected by the at least one rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2,Sr3, Sr4. The detector DT can be configured to determine thenon-operational state of the bicycle 10 when the detector DT has notdetected the signal from the at least one rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3,Sr4, which means at least one rotation has not been detected by the atleast one rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4. The detector DT isconfigured to determine the operational state of the bicycle 10 when thedetector DT detects the signal from the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk,which indicates the bicycle 10 is unlocked. The detector DT can beconfigured to determine the non-operational state of the bicycle 10 whenthe detector DT has not detected the signal from the bicycle lock-statesensor Sk.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first detector DT1 further includes a processorPr4 and a memory Mo4. The processor Pr4 includes a CPU and a memorycontroller. The memory Mo4 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes atransitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo4 includesstorage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. Theprocessor Pr4 is configured to control the memory Mo4 to store data inthe storage areas of the memory Mo4 and to read data from the storageareas of the memory Mo4.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo4 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr4, and thereby functionsof the first detector DT1 are performed. The processor Pr4 and thememory Mo4 are mounted on the circuit board Bo3 and are connected toeach other with the bus Bu1. The processor Pr4 can be integrated intothe processor Pr3, and the memory Mo4 can be integrated into the memoryMo3.

Further, the bicycle electric component (the suspension 18 (the electricfront suspension FS)) comprises a power source PS configured to supply afirst electric power to wireless communicator WC. In the followingdescription, the power source PS of the electric front suspension FS isspecifically referred to as a first power source PS1. The first powersource PS1 is electrically connected to the first wireless communicatorWC1, the first bicycle component controller CC1, the first detector DT1,the valve position sensor FSS, and the first electric actuator FSA.Accordingly, the first power source PS1 is configured to supply thefirst electric power to the first wireless communicator WC1. Further,the first power source PS1 is configured to supply the first electricpower to the first bicycle component controller CC1, the first detectorDT1, the valve position sensor FSS, and the first electric actuator FSA.The first power source PS1 can include a primary battery such as alithium manganese dioxide battery and a secondary battery such as alithium-ion secondary battery. In this embodiment, the first powersource PS1 includes a primary button battery. The first electricactuator FSA, the valve position sensor FSS, the first wirelesscommunicator WC1, the first bicycle component controller CC1, the firstdetector DT1, and the first power source PS1 constitute a suspensionmotor unit FSMU.

The electric rear suspension RS can have substantially the same featureas that of the electric front suspension FS. In such a case, theelectric rear suspension RS can be configured to receive the unlockcontrol signal WS12A and the lock control signal WS12B to perform thesame control as the electric front suspension FS. Alternatively, thebicycle electric operating device 22 can transmit, to the electric rearsuspension RS, different unlock and lock control signals from unlockcontrol signal WS12A and the lock control signal WS12B, and the electricrear suspension RS can be configured to receive the different unlock andlock control signals to perform the same control as the electric frontsuspension FS.

Derailleur

As seen in FIG. 5, the bicycle rear derailleur RD includes a base memberRD1, a movable member RD2, and a second electric actuator RDA. Thesecond electric actuator RDA can also be referred to as a shiftingelectric actuator RDA. The movable member RD2 is movably coupled to thebase member RD1. The movable member RD2 is movable relative to the basemember RD1 to change a gear stage of the bicycle rear derailleur RD. Theshifting electric actuator RDA is operatively coupled to the movablemember RD2 to move the movable member RD2 relative to the base memberRD1. The base member RD1 is attached to the bicycle body B (FIG. 1). Theshifting electric actuator RDA is configured to move the movable memberRD2 relative to the base member RD1 to shift the bicycle chain Crelative to the rear sprocket assembly BC2. The shifting electricactuator RDA is provided in the base member RD1. However, the shiftingelectric actuator RDA can be provided at the movable member RD2 or otherpositions.

In this embodiment, the movable member RD2 includes the chain guideRD21, the first pulley RD22, and a second pulley RD23. The chain guideRD21 is movably coupled to the base member RD1. The first pulley RD22 isrotatably coupled to the chain guide RD21. The second pulley RD23 isrotatably coupled to the chain guide RD21. The bicycle chain C isengaged with the first pulley RD22 and the second pulley RD23.

The shifting electric actuator RDA is operatively coupled to the movablemember RD2 (the chain guide RD21). In this embodiment, the shiftingelectric actuator RDA includes a direct-current (DC) motor having arotational shaft mechanically coupled to the movable member RD2. Otherexamples of the shifting electric actuator RDA include a stepper motorand an alternating-current (AC) motor.

As seen in FIG. 3, the derailleur 14 (the bicycle rear derailleur RD)further includes a shift position sensor RDS. The bicycle rearderailleur RD has a plurality of available shift positions. In thisembodiment, the bicycle rear derailleur RD has twelve available shiftpositions respectively corresponding to the first to twelfth rearsprockets R1 to R12 (FIG. 1).

The shift position sensor RDS is configured to sense a position of theshifting electric actuator RDA as the shift position of the bicycle rearderailleur RD. In this embodiment, the shift position sensor RDS is acontact rotational position sensor such as a potentiometer. The shiftposition sensor RDS is configured to sense an absolute rotationalposition of the rotational shaft of the shifting electric actuator RDAas the shift position of the bicycle rear derailleur RD. Other examplesof the shift position sensor RDS include a non-contact rotationalposition sensor such as an optical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and amagnetic sensor (e.g., a hall sensor).

The bicycle electric component 12 (the derailleur 14 (the bicycle rearderailleur RD)) comprises a wireless communicator WC configured toreceive a wireless signal WS11, WS21. In the following description, thewireless communicator WC of the derailleur 14 (the bicycle rearderailleur RD) is specifically referred to as a second wirelesscommunicator WC2. The bicycle electric component 12 (the derailleur 14(the bicycle rear derailleur RD)) comprises the bicycle componentcontroller CC. In the following description, the bicycle componentcontroller CC of the derailleur 14 is specifically referred to as asecond bicycle component controller CC2. The shifting electric actuatorRDA, the shift position sensor RDS, and the second wireless communicatorWC2 are electrically connected to the second bicycle componentcontroller CC2.

The second bicycle component controller CC2 is configured to control theshifting electric actuator RDA based on upshift and downshift controlsignals WS11 and WS21 and the shift position sensed by the shiftposition sensor RDS. Specifically, the second bicycle componentcontroller CC2 is configured to control a rotational direction and arotational speed of the rotational shaft based on the shift position andeach of upshift and downshift control signals WS11 and WS21. The secondbicycle component controller CC2 is configured to control the shiftingelectric actuator RDA to move the movable member RD2 relative to thebase member RD1 in an upshifting direction in response to the upshiftcontrol signal WS11. The second bicycle component controller CC2 isconfigured to control the shifting electric actuator RDA to move themovable member RD2 relative to the base member RD1 in a downshiftingdirection in response to the downshift control signal WS21.

Furthermore, the second bicycle component controller CC2 is configuredto stop rotation of the rotational shaft to position the chain guideRD21 at one of the low to top gear positions based on the shift positionand each of the upshift and downshift control signals WS11 and WS21. Theshift position sensor RDS transmits a current shift position to thesecond bicycle component controller CC2. The second bicycle componentcontroller CC2 stores the shift position transmitted from the shiftposition sensor RDS as a latest rear shift position.

The second bicycle component controller CC2 is constituted as amicrocomputer and includes a processor Pr5 and a memory Mo5. Theprocessor Pr5 includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory Mo5includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo5 includes storage areaseach having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor Pr5controls the memory Mo5 to store data in the storage areas of the memoryMo5 and reads data from the storage areas of the memory Mo5.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo5 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr5, and thereby functionsof the second bicycle component controller CC2 are performed. Inaddition, the latest rear shift position is stored in the memory Mo5(e.g., the RAM) to be read by the at least one program. The processorPr5 and the memory Mo5 are mounted on a circuit board Bo4 and areconnected to each other with a bus Bu2. The second bicycle componentcontroller CC2 can also be referred to as a second bicycle componentcontrol circuit or circuitry CC2.

Further, the bicycle electric component 12 (the derailleur 14 (thebicycle rear derailleur RD)) comprises the detector DT to detect theoperational state of the bicycle 10. In the following description, thedetector DT of the bicycle rear derailleur RD is specifically referredto as a second detector DT2. The second detector DT2 has substantiallythe same structure as the first detector DT1 except communicationmethods (wired or wireless communication) between the second detectorDT2 and the at least one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressuresensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strainsensor Ss1, Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second detector DT2 further includes the inputinterface IF which has substantially the same function as the firstinput interface IF1 except the communication methods (wired or wirelesscommunication) between the input interface IF and the at least one ofthe vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, therotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1, Ss2, and thebicycle lock-state sensor Sk. In the following description, the inputinterface IF of the second detector DT2 is specifically referred to as asecond input interface IF2. For example, the vibration sensor Sv2 andthe rotation sensor Sr1 are connected to the second input interface IF2via the electric cables and are configured to output their signals viathe electric cable. However, the other vibration sensor Sv1, the otherrotation sensors Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4, the pressure sensors Sp1, Sp2, andSp3, the strain sensors Ss1 and Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensorSk are configured to output their signals via wireless communicationbetween the second wireless communicator WC2 and another wirelesscommunicator OWC1, OWC2, WC1, WC3, WC4, etc.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second detector DT2 further includes a processorPr6 and a memory Mo6. The processor Pr6 includes a CPU and a memorycontroller. The memory Mo6 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes atransitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo6 includesstorage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. Theprocessor Pr6 is configured to control the memory Mo6 to store data inthe storage areas of the memory Mo6 and to read data from the storageareas of the memory Mo6.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo6 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr6, and thereby functionsof the second detector DT2 are performed. The processor Pr6 and thememory Mo6 are mounted on the circuit board Bo4 and are connected toeach other with the bus Bu2. The processor Pr6 can be integrated intothe processor Pry, and the memory Mo6 can be integrated into the memoryMo5.

Further, the bicycle electric component (the derailleur 14 (the bicyclerear derailleur RD)) comprises a power source PS configured to supply afirst electric power to wireless communicator WC. In the followingdescription, the power source PS of the derailleur 14 (the bicycle rearderailleur RD) is specifically referred to as a second power source PS2.The second power source PS2 is electrically connected to the secondwireless communicator WC2, the second bicycle component controller CC2,the second detector DT2, the shift position sensor RDS, and the shiftingelectric actuator RDA. Accordingly, the second power source PS2 isconfigured to supply the first electric power to the second wirelesscommunicator WC2. Further, the second power source PS2 is configured tosupply the first electric power to the second bicycle componentcontroller CC2, the second detector DT2, the shift position sensor RDS,and the shifting electric actuator RDA. The second power source PS2 caninclude a primary battery such as a lithium manganese dioxide batteryand a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In thisembodiment, the second power source PS2 includes a primary buttonbattery. The shifting electric actuator RDA, the shift position sensorRDS, the second bicycle component controller CC2, the second detectorDT2, and the second power source PS2 constitute a derailleur motor unitRDMU.

Adjustable Seatpost

As seen in FIG. 6, the adjustable seatpost 16 includes a first tube SP1,a second tube SP2, a positioning structure SP3, and a third electricactuator SPA. The third electric actuator SPA can also be referred to asa seatpost electric actuator SPA. The adjustable seatpost 16 has thepositioning state and the adjustable state. In the positioning state,the first tube SP1 and the second tube SP2 are fixedly positionedrelative to each other in a telescopic direction D2 to maintain anoverall length of the adjustable seatpost 16. In the adjustable state,the first tube SP1 and the second tube SP2 are relatively movablerelative to each other in the telescopic direction D2 to change theoverall length.

The first tube SP1 has a center axis A2. The first tube SP1 is securedto the bicycle body B (FIG. 1). The second tube SP2 is telescopicallyreceived in the first tube SP1. The positioning structure SP3 isconfigured to relatively position the first tube SP1 and the second tubeSP2 in the telescopic direction D2 parallel to the center axis A2 of thefirst tube SP1. The seatpost electric actuator SPA is configured toactuate the positioning structure SP3. The seatpost electric actuatorSPA is coupled to the positioning structure SP3 to actuate thepositioning structure SP3. In this embodiment, the seatpost electricactuator SPA is mounted on an upper end of the second tube SP2. However,the seatpost electric actuator SPA can be provided at other positions inthe adjustable seatpost 16. For example, the seatpost electric actuatorSPA can be provided at a lower end of an interior of the first tube SP1or an upper end of the first tube SP1.

The positioning structure SP3 includes a guide SP31 and a screw rodSP32. The guide SP31 is secured to the first tube SP1 and extends in thefirst tube SP1. The guide SP31 includes a threaded hole SP33. The screwrod SP32 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole SP33. The seatpostelectric actuator SPA is coupled to the screw rod SP32 to rotate thescrew rod SP32 relative to the second tube SP2. Rotation of the screwrod SP32 moves the second tube SP2 relative to the first tube SP1 in thetelescopic direction D2.

As seen in FIG. 3, the adjustable seatpost 16 includes a seatpostposition sensor SPS. The seatpost position sensor SPS is configured tosense a rotational position of the screw rod SP32. In this embodiment,the seatpost position sensor SPS is a contact rotational position sensorsuch as a potentiometer. The seatpost position sensor SPS is configuredto sense an absolute rotational position of the rotational shaft of theseatpost electric actuator SPA. Other examples of the seatpost positionsensor SPS include a non-contact rotational position sensor such as anoptical sensor (e.g., a rotary encoder) and a magnetic sensor (e.g., ahall sensor).

The bicycle electric component 12 (the adjustable seatpost 16) comprisesa wireless communicator WC configured to receive a wireless signalWS22A, WS22B. In the following description, the wireless communicator WCof the adjustable seatpost 16 is specifically referred to as a thirdwireless communicator WC3. The bicycle electric component 12 (theadjustable seatpost 16) comprises a bicycle component controller CC. Inthe following description, the bicycle component controller CC of theadjustable seatpost 16 is specifically referred to as a third bicyclecomponent controller CC3. The seatpost position sensor SPS, the seatpostelectric actuator SPA, and the third wireless communicator WC3 areelectrically connected to the third bicycle component controller CC3.

The third bicycle component controller CC3 is configured to control theseatpost electric actuator SPA based on the first or second seatpostcontrol signal WS22A or WS22B and the position sensed by the seatpostposition sensor SPS. Specifically, the third bicycle componentcontroller CC3 is configured to control a rotational direction of therotational shaft based on the rotational position and the first orsecond seatpost control signal WS22A or WS22B. The third bicyclecomponent controller CC3 is configured to control the seatpost electricactuator SPA to stop rotating the rotational shaft when the overalllength of the adjustable seatpost 16 reaches the maximum length or theminimum length regardless of the first and second seatpost controlsignals WS22A and WS22B.

The third bicycle component controller CC3 is configured to control theseatpost electric actuator SPA based on the first and second seatpostcontrol signals WS22A and WS22B to move the second tube SP2 relative tothe first tube SP1 in the telescopic direction D2. The third bicyclecomponent controller CC3 is configured to control the seatpost electricactuator SPA to move the second tube SP2 for shortening the adjustableseatpost 16 in response to the first seatpost control signal WS22A. Theseatpost actuator driver SP7 controls the seatpost electric actuator SPAto move the second tube SP2 for lengthening the adjustable seatpost 16in response to the second seatpost control signal WS22B.

The third bicycle component controller CC3 is constituted as amicrocomputer and includes a processor Pr7 and a memory Mo7. Theprocessor Pr7 includes a CPU and a memory controller. The memory Mo7includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo7 includes storage areaseach having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor Pr7controls the memory Mo7 to store data in the storage areas of the memoryMo7 and reads data from the storage areas of the memory Mo7.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo7 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr7, and thereby functionsof the third bicycle component controller CC3 are performed. Inaddition, the maximum length and the minimum length are stored in thememory Mo7 (e.g., the RAM) to be read by the at least one program. Theprocessor Pr7 and the memory Mo7 are mounted on a circuit board Bo5 andare connected to each other with a bus Bu3. The third bicycle componentcontroller CC3 can also be referred to as a third bicycle componentcontrol circuit or circuitry CC3.

Further, the bicycle electric component 12 (the adjustable seatpost 16)comprises the detector DT to detect the operational state of the bicycle10. In the following description, the detector DT of the adjustableseatpost 16 is specifically referred to as a third detector DT3. Thethird detector DT3 has substantially the same structure as the firstdetector DT1 and the second detector DT2 except communication methods(wired or wireless communication) between the third detector DT3 and theat least one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1,Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1,Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk.

As seen in FIG. 3, the third detector DT3 further includes the inputinterface IF which has substantially the same function as the firstinput interface IF1 and the second input interface IF2 except thecommunication methods (wired or wireless communication) between theinput interface IF and the at least one of the vibration sensor Sv1,Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2,Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1, Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensorSk. In the following description, the input interface IF of the thirddetector DT3 is specifically referred to as a third input interface IF3.For example, the pressure sensor Sp3 is connected to the third inputinterface IF3 via the electric cables and are configured to output theirsignals via the electric cable. However, the vibration sensors Sv1, Sv2,the rotation sensors Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4, the other pressure sensorsSp1 and Sp2, the strain sensors Ss1 and Ss2, and the bicycle lock-statesensor Sk are configured to output their signals via wirelesscommunication between the third wireless communicator WC3 and anotherwireless communicator OWC1, OWC2, WC1, WC2, WC4, etc.

As seen in FIG. 3, the third detector DT3 further includes a processorPr8 and a memory Mo8. The processor Pr8 includes a CPU and a memorycontroller. The memory Mo8 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes atransitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo8 includesstorage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. Theprocessor Pr8 is configured to control the memory Mo8 to store data inthe storage areas of the memory Mo8 and to read data from the storageareas of the memory Mo8.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo8 (e.g., the ROM). The atleast one program is read into the processor Pr8, and thereby functionsof the third detector DT3 are performed. The processor Pr8 and thememory Mo8 are mounted on the circuit board Bo5 and are connected toeach other with the bus Bu3. The processor Pr8 can be integrated intothe processor Pr7, and the memory Mo8 can be integrated into the memoryMo1.

Further, the bicycle electric component (the adjustable seatpost 16)comprises a power source PS configured to supply a first electric powerto wireless communicator WC. In the following description, the powersource PS of the adjustable seatpost 16 is specifically referred to as athird power source PS3. The third power source PS3 is electricallyconnected to the third wireless communicator WC3, the third bicyclecomponent controller CC3, the third detector DT3, the seatpost positionsensor SPS, and the seatpost electric actuator SPA. Accordingly, thethird power source PS3 is configured to supply the first electric powerto the third wireless communicator WC3. Further, the third power sourcePS3 is configured to supply the first electric power to the thirdbicycle component controller CC3, the third detector DT3, the seatpostposition sensor SPS, and the seatpost electric actuator SPA. The thirdpower source PS3 can include a primary battery such as a lithiummanganese dioxide battery and a secondary battery such as a lithium-ionsecondary battery. In this embodiment, the third power source PS3includes a primary button battery. The seatpost electric actuator SPA,the seatpost position sensor SPS, the third bicycle component controllerCC3, the third detector DT3, and the third power source PS3 constitute aseatpost motor unit SPMU.

Auxiliary Drive Unit

As seen in FIG. 3, the auxiliary drive unit 20 includes an assist motorAM and a torque sensor TS. The assist motor AM is configured to generatethe auxiliary drive force. The assist motor AM is coupled to the crankassembly BC1 to transmit the auxiliary drive force. The torque sensor TSis configured to sense an input torque applied to the crank assembly BC1from the rider during pedaling. The torque sensor TS is attached to thecrank assembly BC1. The torque sensor TS can include the strain gaugeSs1.

Further, the bicycle electric component 12 (the auxiliary drive unit 20)comprises a wireless communicator WC configured to receive a wirelesssignal WS13A, WS13B, WS13C. In the following description, the wirelesscommunicator WC of the auxiliary drive unit 20 is specifically referredto as a fourth wireless communicator WC4. The bicycle electric component12 (the auxiliary drive unit 20) comprises a bicycle componentcontroller CC. In the following description, the bicycle componentcontroller CC of the auxiliary drive unit 20 is specifically referred toas a fourth bicycle component controller CC4. The torque sensor TS, theassist motor AM, and the fourth wireless communicator WC4 areelectrically connected to the fourth bicycle component controller CC4.

The auxiliary drive unit 20 has a first assist mode, a second assistmode, and a third assist mode. The first assist mode has a first assistratio. The second assist mode has a second assist ratio. The thirdassist mode has a third assist ratio. In this embodiment, the firstassist ratio is the highest among the first to third assist ratios. Thethird assist ratio is the lowest among the first to third assist ratios.

In the first assist mode, the fourth bicycle component controller CC4 isconfigured to control the assist motor AM to generate the auxiliarydrive force in accordance with the first assist ratio and the inputtorque sensed by the torque sensor TS. More specifically, in the firstassist mode, the fourth bicycle component controller CC4 is configuredto control the assist motor AM to generate the auxiliary drive forcehaving a torque obtained by multiplying the input torque by the firstassist ratio. In the second assist mode, the fourth bicycle componentcontroller CC4 is configured to control the assist motor AM to generatethe auxiliary drive force having a torque obtained by multiplying theinput torque by the second assist ratio. In the third assist mode, thefourth bicycle component controller CC4 is configured to control theassist motor AM to generate the auxiliary drive force having a torqueobtained by multiplying the input torque by the third assist ratio.

The auxiliary drive unit 20 is configured to change an assist mode amongthe first to third assist modes in response to the first-mode tothird-mode control signals WS13A to WS13C. The auxiliary drive unit 20is configured to change the assist mode to the first assist mode inresponse to the first-mode control signal WS13A. The auxiliary driveunit 20 is configured to change the assist mode to the second assistmode in response to the second-mode control signal WS13B. The auxiliarydrive unit 20 is configured to change the assist mode to the thirdassist mode in response to the third-mode control signal WS13C.

As seen in FIG. 3, the fourth bicycle component controller CC4 isconstituted as a microcomputer and includes a processor Pr9 and a memoryMo9. The processor Pr9 includes a CPU and a memory controller. Thememory Mo9 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transitorycomputer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo9 includes storage areaseach having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor Pr9 isconfigured to control the memory Mo9 to store data in the storage areasof the memory Mo9 and to read data from the storage areas of the memoryMo9.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo9 (e.g., the ROM). Inaddition, the memory Mo9 (e.g. the ROM) stores the first to third assistratios. The at least one program is read into the processor Pr9, andthereby functions of the fourth bicycle component controller CC4 areperformed. The processor Pr9 and the memory Mo9 are mounted on a circuitboard Bo6 and are connected to each other with the bus Bu4. The fourthbicycle component controller CC4 can also be referred to as a fourthbicycle component control circuit or circuitry CC4.

Further, the bicycle electric component 12 (the auxiliary drive unit 20)comprises the detector DT to detect the operational state of the bicycle10. In the following description, the detector DT of the auxiliary driveunit 20 is specifically referred to as a fourth detector DT4. The fourthdetector DT4 has substantially the same structure as the first to thirddetectors DT1 to DT3 except communication methods (wired or wirelesscommunication) between the fourth detector DT4 and the at least one ofthe vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, therotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1, Ss2, and thebicycle lock-state sensor Sk.

As seen in FIG. 3, the fourth detector DT4 further includes the inputinterface IF which has substantially the same function as the first tothird input interfaces IF1 to IF3 except the communication methods(wired or wireless communication) between the input interface IF and theat least one of the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1,Sp2, Sp3, the rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1,Ss2, and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk. In the following description,the input interface IF of the fourth detector DT4 is specificallyreferred to as a fourth input interface IF4. For example, the rotationsensors Sr2, Sr3, and Sr4 and the bicycle lock-state sensor Sk areconnected to the fourth input interface IF4 via the electric cables andare configured to output their signals via the electric cable. However,the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, and the other rotation sensor Sr1, thepressure sensors Sp1, Sp2, and Sp3, and the strain sensors Ss1 and Ss2are configured to output their signals via wireless communicationbetween the fourth wireless communicator WC4 and another wirelesscommunicator OWC1, OWC2, WC1, WC3, WC4, etc.

As seen in FIG. 3, the fourth detector DT4 further includes a processorPr10 and a memory Mo10. The processor Pr10 includes a CPU and a memorycontroller. The memory Mo10 includes a ROM and a RAM. The ROM includes anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes atransitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory Mo10 includesstorage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. Theprocessor Pr10 is configured to control the memory Mo10 to store data inthe storage areas of the memory Mo10 and to read data from the storageareas of the memory Mo10.

At least one program is stored in the memory Mo10 (e.g., the ROM). Theat least one program is read into the processor Pr10, and therebyfunctions of the fourth detector DT4 are performed. The processor Pr10and the memory Mo10 are mounted on the circuit board Bo6 and areconnected to each other with the bus Bu4. The processor Pr10 can beintegrated into the processor Pr9, and the memory Mo10 can be integratedinto the memory Mo9.

Further, the bicycle electric component (the auxiliary drive unit 20)comprises a power source PS configured to supply a first electric powerto wireless communicator WC. In the following description, the powersource PS of the auxiliary drive unit 20 is specifically referred to asa fourth power source PS4. The fourth power source PS4 is electricallyconnected to the fourth wireless communicator WC4, the fourth bicyclecomponent controller CC4, the fourth detector DT4, the torque sensor TS,and the assist motor AM. Accordingly, the fourth power source PS4 isconfigured to supply the first electric power to the fourth wirelesscommunicator WC4. Further, the fourth power source PS4 is configured tosupply the first electric power to the fourth bicycle componentcontroller CC4, the fourth detector DT4, the torque sensor TS, and theassist motor AM. The fourth power source PS4 can include a largecapacity lithium-ion battery. As seen in FIG. 1, the fourth power sourcePS4 is mounted to the bicycle body B. As seen in FIG. 2, the fourthpower source PS4 is detachably attached to the battery holder BH. Thefourth wireless communicator WC4 and the fourth bicycle componentcontroller CC4 can be provided in the battery holder BH.

Bicycle Electric Component Features

In this description, the wireless communicator WC (at least one of WC1,WC2, WC3, and WC4) has a first operating mode and a second operatingmode. A power consumption of the second operating mode is lower than apower consumption of the first operating mode. For example, the bicyclecomponent controller CC (at least one of CC1 to CC4) is activated in thefirst operating mode, and the bicycle component controller CC isdeactivated in the second operating mode. Alternatively, a receptionfrequency of the wireless communicator WC in the second operating modeis less than that in the first operating mode, which is described indetail in another embodiment, for example.

As seen in FIG. 7, the wireless communicator WC is configured to changefrom the second operating mode to the first operating mode in a statewhere the wireless communicator WC receives the wireless signal and thedetector DT (at least one of DT1 to DT4) detects the operational stateof the bicycle 10. The bicycle component controller CC is configured tochange from the first operating mode to the second operating mode in astate where the detector DT has not detected the operational state ofthe bicycle 10 for a first threshold time period.

Alternatively and additionally, as seen in FIG. 8, the bicycle componentcontroller CC is configured to change from the first operating mode tothe second operating mode in a state where the wireless communicator WChas not received the wireless signal for a second threshold time period.

The bicycle electric component 12 has the following features.

Since the wireless communicator WC has the first operating mode and thesecond operating mode in which the power consumption is lower than thatin the first operating mode and the wireless communicator WC isconfigured to change from the second operating mode to the firstoperating mode in the state where the wireless communicator WC receivesthe wireless signal and the detector DT detects the operational state ofthe bicycle 10, it is possible to reduce power consumption when thebicycle is not operated.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 112 provided in accordance with a secondembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 9. The bicycleelectric component 112 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 12 except that the bicycleelectric component 112 comprises a switcher PSW in place of the detectorDT in the bicycle electric component 12. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will benumbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 9, the bicycle electric component 112 comprises thewireless communicator, the power source, and a switcher PSW. Preferably,the switcher PSW is provided on a board Bo (at least one of Bo3 to Bo6).The switcher PSW is configured to change an electric connection statebetween the wireless communicator WC and the power source PS (at leastone of PS1 to PS4). The switcher PSW includes an electric generator EGconfigured to generate a second electric power by an external input tothe bicycle 10. For example, the electric generator EG is provided inthe pressure sensor Sp3, or the vibration sensor Sv1, Sv2. The electricgenerator EG includes a piezoelectric power generating element togenerate the second electric power due to deformation or vibration ofthe piezoelectric power generating element when the bicycle 10 isoperated. That is, the external input includes an operation of thebicycle.

As seen in FIG. 10, the switcher PSW is configured to change theelectric connection state between the wireless communicator WC and thepower source PS to an electrically connected state when the electricgenerator EG of the switcher PSW generates the electric power by theexternal input to the bicycle 10. The wireless communicator WC isconfigured to change from the second operating mode to the firstoperating mode in a state where the wireless communicator WC receivesthe wireless signal in the electrically connected state. The bicyclecomponent controller CC is configured to change from the first operatingmode to the second operating mode in the state where the wirelesscommunicator WC has not received the wireless signal for the secondthreshold time period.

As for the bicycle electric component 112, the switcher PSW isconfigured to connect the wireless communicator WC and the power sourcePS when the bicycle 10 is operated. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce power consumption when the bicycle 10 is not operated. Further,the switcher PSW is actuated by the electric generator EG to generatethe electric power by the external input to the bicycle 10. Accordingly,it is possible to reduce power consumption when the bicycle 10 isoperated.

Modifications of Second Embodiment

In the second embodiment, the bicycle component controller CC does notneed to manage an operating mode of the wireless communicator WC such asthe first operating mode and the second operating mode. For example, thebicycle component controller CC can receive a wireless signal during allthe electrically connected state of the switcher PSW. In such a case,the bicycle electric component 112 needs to have simple circuitrywithout a circuit module determining the operating mode. Accordingly, itis possible to further reduce power consumption.

In addition, the bicycle electric component 112 can be applied to thebicycle electric component 12 in the first embodiment. In this case, thebicycle electric component 112 further comprises the detector DT asillustrated in the first embodiment. As seen in FIG. 11, such a bicycleelectric component 112 is referred to as the bicycle electric component112A. In this modification, the electric generator EG can be provided ina rotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, or Sr4.

As seen in FIG. 12, the switcher PSW is configured to change theelectric connection state between the wireless communicator WC and thepower source PS to an electrically connected state when the electricgenerator EG of the switcher PSW generates the electric power by theexternal input to the bicycle 10. Once the electric connection state ischanged to the electrically connected state, the detector DT continuesto keep the electric connection state in the electrically connectedstate until the at least one signal from the at least one of thevibration sensor Sv1, Sv2, the pressure sensor Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, therotation sensor Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, Sr4, the strain sensor Ss1, Ss2, and thebicycle lock-state sensor Sk indicates the bicycle has not been operatedfor the first threshold time period. When the detector DT detects thatthe bicycle has not been operated for the first threshold time period,the detector DT is configured to change the electric connection state toan electrically disconnected state. This means that the detector DT setthe electric connection state in the same manner as the detector setsthe operational state in the first embodiment.

As for the bicycle electric component 112A, it is possible to activatethe wireless communicator WC by the switcher PSW, which is actuated bythe electric generator EG to generate the electric power by the externalinput to the bicycle 10. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce powerconsumption when the bicycle 10 is operated.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 212 provided in accordance with a thirdembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 13. The bicycleelectric component 212 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 112 except that the bicycleelectric component 212 comprises a casing 28 and an electromagneticshield 32 in place of the switcher PSW in the bicycle electric component112. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those inthe first and the second embodiments will be numbered the same here, andwill not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for thesake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 13, the bicycle electric component 212 comprises thewireless communicator WC, the casing 28, and the electromagnetic shield32. The casing 28 has an internal space 28 i. The wireless communicatorWC is disposed in the internal space 28 i of the casing 28. For example,as seen in FIG. 2, the battery holder BH has its casing 28 b. The fourthwireless communicator WC4 is disposed in the casing 28 b.

Preferably, as seen in FIG. 13, the casing 28 includes an inner shieldmember 30 which surrounds the wireless communicator WC. Preferably, theinner shield member 30 is made of soft magnetic material to block radiosignals.

The electromagnetic shield 32 includes a shield member 34 to cover atleast a part of the wireless communicator WC. In FIG. 13, the shieldmember 34 covering the at least a part of the wireless communicator WCis indicated by a dotted line. The shield member 34 of theelectromagnetic shield 32 is a separate member with respect to thecasing 28. Preferably, the shield member 34 is made of soft magneticmaterial to block radio signals. The electromagnetic shield 32 ismovable with respect to the casing 28. For example, the electromagneticshield 32 is rotatable around a rotational axis Ax1 via a hinge attachedto the casing 28.

The casing 28 includes a first connecting member 36. The electromagneticshield 32 includes a second connecting member 38 to detachably connectthe shield member 34 to the first connecting member 36. For example, thefirst connecting member 36 includes a notch, and the second connectingmember 38 includes a latch which is slidable in a lateral direction D3as shown in FIG. 13. The latch is slidable toward the notch in a statewhere the electromagnetic shield 32 is closed.

As for the bicycle electric component 212, the user can move theelectromagnetic shield 32 to cover the at least a part of the wirelesscommunicator WC to disable or reduce wireless communication when theuser does not operate the bicycle 10. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce power consumption when the bicycle 10 is not operated.

In the third embodiment, the bicycle electric component 212 can furthercomprise the detector DT, and the bicycle component controller CC andthe detector DT can perform the same functions as those in the firstembodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 312 provided in accordance with a fourthembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 14. The bicycleelectric component 312 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 212 except that theelectromagnetic shield 32 moves automatically. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first to thirdembodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be describedand/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity. In thefourth embodiment, the electromagnetic shield 32 and the shield member34 are referred to as an electromagnetic shield 32 m and a shield member34 m, respectively.

In the fourth embodiment, the bicycle electric component 312 comprisesthe detector DT to detect the operational state of the bicycle 10.Further, the bicycle electric component 312 comprises a shield actuator40 to move the shield member 34 m in response to the operational stateof the bicycle 10. In this embodiment, the shield actuator 40 includes adirect-current (DC) motor having a rotational shaft 40 s (FIG. 15) witha rotational axis Ax2 which is coupled to the casing 28. Other examplesof the shield actuator 40 include a stepper motor and analternating-current (AC) motor. The shield actuator 40 is configured torotate the shield member 34 m around the rotational axis Ax2. The shieldactuator 40 is actuated by the bicycle component controller CC based onthe operational state and the non-operational state of the bicycle 10.For example, the shield actuator 40 is configured to move the shieldmember 34 m to uncover at least a part of the wireless communicator WCin a state where the detector DT detects the operational state of thebicycle 10. In FIG. 14, the shield member 34 m uncovering the at least apart of the wireless communicator WC is indicated by a dotted line. Inthis case, the wireless communication is enabled or increased. Theshield actuator 40 is configured to move the shield member 34 m to coverthe at least a part of the wireless communicator WC when the detector DThas not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 for a thirdthreshold time period. Accordingly, the wireless communication isdisabled or decreased. Alternatively or additionally, similarly to thefirst embodiment, the shield actuator 40 is configured to move theshield member 34 m to cover the at least a part of the wirelesscommunicator WC in a state where the wireless communicator WC has notreceived the wireless signal for a fourth threshold time period.

In order for the electromagnetic shield 32 m to be movable, as seen inFIG. 15, the casing 28 includes a third connecting member 42, and theelectromagnetic shield 32 m includes a fourth connecting member 44 tomovably connect the shield member 34 m to the third connecting member42. Specifically, the casing 28 includes an outer peripheral wall 28 w,and the third connecting member 42 is a bearing attached to the outerperipheral wall 28 w. The fourth connecting member 44 is a shaftextending from the shield member 34 m to be inserted into the bearing.In FIG. 15, the fourth connecting member 44 is a separate member fromthe shield member 34 m, and the fourth connecting member 44 is connectedto the shield member via a first attachment member 46 (e.g. a bolt).However, the fourth connecting member 44 can be integrated into theshield member 34 m in a one-piece unitary member. Further, the casing 28can include a fifth connecting member 43 (e.g. a bearing) to movablyconnect the rotational shaft 40 s of the shield actuator 40 to the outerperipheral wall 28 w. The rotational shaft 40 s of the shield actuator40 is connected to the electromagnetic shield 32 m via a secondattachment member 48 (e.g. a coupling and a bolt).

As for the bicycle electric component 312, the shield actuator 40 canautomatically move the electromagnetic shield 32 m to cover the at leasta part of the wireless communicator WC to disable or reduce wirelesscommunication when the bicycle 10 is not operated. Accordingly, thebicycle electric component 312 can provide more convenience to a userthan the bicycle electric component 212 in the third embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the bicycle component controller CC and thedetector DT can perform the same functions as those in the firstembodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 412 provided in accordance with a fifthembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 16. The bicycleelectric component 412 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 12 except that the wirelesscommunicator WC has a sensitivity changer SC and that the bicyclecomponent controller CC may not manage the first operating mode and thesecond operating mode. Thus, elements having substantially the samefunction as those in the first and the second embodiments will benumbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity. Specifically, thesensitivity changer SC of the wireless communicator WC in the fifthembodiment is referred to as a sensitivity changer SC1.

As seen in FIG. 16, the bicycle electric component 412 comprises thedetector DT and the wireless communicator WC. The wireless communicatorWC includes a receiving circuit RC and an antenna ANT. The receivingcircuit RC includes a decoder to decode a wireless signal received bythe antenna ANT to receive information from the wireless signal. Thewireless communicator WC includes a sensitivity changer SC (SC1) tochange a sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC.

Specifically, as seen in FIG. 16, the sensitivity changer SC1 includes afirst electrical switch WCSW to connect the receiving circuit RC andeither of the antenna ANT and an electrical ground GND. In FIG. 13, theelectrical ground GND is shown as a frame ground, but the electricalground GND can be a signal ground. The first electrical switch WCSW iscontrolled by the bicycle component controller CC based on theoperational state of the bicycle 10 which is detected by the detectorDT.

The first electrical switch WCSW is controlled to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the antenna ANT in a state where the detector DT detectsthe operational state of the bicycle 10. Accordingly, the sensitivitychanger SC (SC1) increases the sensitivity of the wireless communicatorWC in a state where the detector DT detects the operational state of thebicycle 10. The first electrical switch WCSW is controlled to connectthe receiving circuit RC and the electrical ground GND in a state wherethe detector DT has not detected the operational state of the bicyclefor a fifth threshold time period. That is, the sensitivity changer SC1is configured to electrically disconnect the receiving circuit RC andthe antenna ANT to reduce the sensitivity of the wireless communicatorWC in the state where the detector DT has not detected the operationalstate of the bicycle 10 for the fifth threshold time period.Alternatively or additionally, the first electrical switch WCSW iscontrolled to connect the receiving circuit RC and the electrical groundGND in a state where the wireless communicator WC has not received thewireless signal for a sixth threshold time period. That is, thesensitivity changer SC1 is configured to electrically disconnect thereceiving circuit RC and the antenna ANT to reduce the sensitivity ofthe wireless communicator WC in a state where the wireless communicatorWC has not received the wireless signal for the sixth threshold timeperiod.

As for the bicycle electric component 412, the sensitivity changer SC1increases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC byelectrically connecting the receiving circuit RC and the antenna ANT inthe state where the detector DT detects the operational state of thebicycle 10. The sensitivity changer SC1 decreases the sensitivity of thewireless communicator WC by electrically connecting the receivingcircuit RC and the electrical ground GND in the state where the detectorDT has not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 for thefifth threshold time period and/or the wireless communicator WC has notreceived the wireless signal for the sixth threshold time period.Accordingly, it is possible to disable wireless communication while thebicycle 10 is not operated, thereby power consumption is reduced whenthe bicycle 10 is not operated.

Sixth Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 512 provided in accordance with a sixthembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 17. The bicycleelectric component 512 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 412 except the sensitivitychanger SC. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the fifth embodiment will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity. Specifically, the sensitivity changer SC of the wirelesscommunicator WC in the sixth embodiment is referred to as a sensitivitychanger SC2.

In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC includes at least oneamplifier AMP. More specifically, the sensitivity changer SC2 includesan amplifier AMP1. Preferably, the amplifier AMP1 is a variable gainamplifier. A gain of the amplifier AMP1 is controlled by the bicyclecomponent controller CC based on the operational state of the bicycle 10which is detected by the detector DT.

The amplifier AMP1 is controlled to increase the gain in a state wherethe detector DT detects the operational state of the bicycle 10.Accordingly, the sensitivity changer SC (SC2) increases the sensitivityof the wireless communicator WC in a state where the detector DT detectsthe operational state of the bicycle 10.

The sensitivity changer SC2 is configured to decrease a gain of the atleast one amplifier AMP (the amplifier AMP1) in a state where thedetector DT has not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 fora seventh threshold time period. Alternatively or additionally, thesensitivity changer SC2 is configured to decrease a gain of the at leastone amplifier AMP (the amplifier AMP1) in a state where the wirelesscommunicator WC has not received the wireless signal for an eighththreshold time period.

As for the bicycle electric component 512, the sensitivity changer SC2increases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC by increasingthe gain of the amplifier AMP1 in the state where the detector DTdetects the operational state of the bicycle 10. The sensitivity changerSC2 decreases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC bydecreasing the gain of the amplifier AMP1 in the state where thedetector DT has not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 forthe seventh threshold time period and/or the wireless communicator WChas not received the wireless signal for the eighth threshold timeperiod. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease wireless communicationwhile the bicycle 10 is not operated, thereby power consumption isreduced when the bicycle 10 is not operated.

Modifications of Sixth Embodiment

As seen in FIG. 18, the at least one amplifier AMP of the sensitivitychanger SC can include a plurality of fixed gain amplifiers AMP2 andAMP3 and a second electrical switch GSW to connect the receiving circuitRC and the antenna ANT via one of the plurality of fixed gain amplifiersAMP2 and AMP3 in place of the variable gain amplifier AMP1 Such abicycle electric component 512 and such a sensitivity changer SC isreferred to as a bicycle electric component 512A and a sensitivitychanger SC3, respectively. In the sensitivity changer SC3, a gain of thefixed gain amplifier AMP2 is larger than a gain of the fixed gainamplifier AMP3. Preferably, the gain of the fixed gain amplifier AMP3 issmall such that the receiving circuit RC cannot decode a wireless signalamplified by the fixed gain amplifier AMP3. The plurality of fixed gainamplifiers AMP2 and AMP3 are electrically connected to the antenna ANT.The second electrical switch GSW is controlled by the bicycle componentcontroller CC based on the operational state of the bicycle 10 which isdetected by the detector DT.

The second electrical switch GSW is controlled to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the fixed gain amplifier AMP2 in a state where thedetector DT detects the operational state of the bicycle 10.Accordingly, the sensitivity changer SC (SC3) increases the sensitivityof the wireless communicator WC in a state where the detector DT detectsthe operational state of the bicycle 10. The second electrical switchGSW is controlled to connect the receiving circuit RC and the fixed gainamplifier AMP3 in the state where the detector DT has not detected theoperational state of the bicycle 10 for the seventh threshold timeperiod. That is, the sensitivity changer SC(SC3) is configured todecrease a gain of the at least one amplifier AMP in the state where thedetector DT has not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 forthe seventh threshold time period. Alternatively or additionally, thesecond electrical switch GSW is controlled to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the fixed gain amplifier AMP3 in the state where thewireless communicator WC has not received the wireless signal for theeighth threshold time period. That is, the sensitivity changer SC(SC3)is configured to decrease a gain of the at least one amplifier AMP inthe state where the wireless communicator WC has not received thewireless signal for the eighth threshold time period. In thismodification, the sensitivity changer SC3 has the same function as thatof the sensitivity changer SC2.

Seventh Embodiment

A bicycle electric component 612 provided in accordance with a seventhembodiment will be described below referring to FIG. 19. The bicycleelectric component 612 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle electric component 512 except the sensitivitychanger SC. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the fifth embodiment will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity. Specifically, the sensitivity changer SC of the wirelesscommunicator WC in the sixth embodiment is referred to as a sensitivitychanger SC4.

In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC includes at least oneband pass filter BPF. More specifically, the sensitivity changer SC4includes a first band pass filter BPF1. The first band pass filters BPF1is electrically connected to the antenna ANT. Preferably, the first bandpass filter BPF1 is a variable band pass filter. A band in which radiopasses through the first band pass filter BPF1 is controlled by thebicycle component controller CC based on the operational state of thebicycle 10 which is detected by the detector DT.

The first band pass filter BPF1 is controlled to be tuned to thewireless signals WS11, WS12A, WS12B, WS13, WS21, and WS22 in a statewhere the detector DT detects the operational state of the bicycle 10.Accordingly, the sensitivity changer SC (SC4) increases the sensitivityof the wireless communicator WC in a state where the detector DT detectsthe operational state of the bicycle 10.

The first band pass filter BPF1 is controlled to be tuned out of thewireless signals WS11, WS12A, WS12B, WS13, WS21, and WS22 in a statewhere the detector DT has not detected the operational state of thebicycle 10 for a ninth threshold time period. That is, The sensitivitychanger SC(SC4) is configured to control the at least one band passfilter BPF (the first band pass filter BPF1) to block the wirelesssignal in the state where the detector DT has not detected theoperational state of the bicycle 10 for the ninth threshold time period.Alternatively or additionally, the first band pass filter BPF1 iscontrolled to be tuned out of the wireless signals WS11, WS12A, WS12B,WS13, WS21, and WS22 in a state where the wireless communicator WC hasnot received the wireless signal for a tenth threshold time period. Thatis, the sensitivity changer SC(SC4) is configured to control the atleast one band pass filter BPF (the first band pass filter BPF1) toblock the wireless signal in the state where the wireless communicatorWC has not received the wireless signal for the tenth threshold timeperiod.

As for the bicycle electric component 612, the sensitivity changer SC4increases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC by tuning thefirst band pass filter BPF1 to the wireless signals WS11, WS12A, WS12B,WS13, WS21, and WS22 in the state where the detector DT detects theoperational state of the bicycle 10. The sensitivity changer SC4decreases the sensitivity of the wireless communicator WC by tuning thefirst band pass filter BPF1 out of the wireless signals WS11, WS12A,WS12B, WS13, WS21, and WS22 in the state where the detector DT has notdetected the operational state of the bicycle 10 for the ninth thresholdtime period and/or the wireless communicator WC has not received thewireless signal for the tenth threshold time period. Accordingly, it ispossible to decrease wireless communication while the bicycle 10 is notoperated, thereby power consumption is reduced when the bicycle 10 isnot operated.

Modification of Seventh Embodiment

As seen in FIG. 20, the at least one band pass filter BPF of thesensitivity changer SC can include a plurality of band pass filters BPF2and BPF3 and a third electrical switch BSW to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the antenna ANT via one of a second band pass filter BPF2and a third band pass filter BPF3 in place of the first band pass filterBPF1. Such a bicycle electric component and such a sensitivity changerSC is referred to as a bicycle electric component 612A and a sensitivitychanger SC5, respectively. In the sensitivity changer SC5, the wirelesssignals WS11, WS12A, WS12B, WS13, WS21, and WS22 pass through the secondband pass filter BPF2 and the wireless signals WS11, WS12A, WS12B, WS13,WS21, and WS22 don't pass through the third band pass filter BPF3. Thesecond band pass filters BPF2 and the third band pass filter BPF3 areelectrically connected to the antenna ANT. The third electrical switchBSW is controlled by the bicycle component controller CC based on theoperational state of the bicycle 10 which is detected by the detectorDT.

The third electrical switch BSW is controlled to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the second band pass filter BPF2 in a state where thedetector DT detects the operational state of the bicycle 10.Accordingly, the sensitivity changer SC (SC5) increases the sensitivityof the wireless communicator WC in the state where the detector DTdetects the operational state of the bicycle 10. The third electricalswitch BSW is controlled to connect the receiving circuit RC and thethird band pass filter BPF3 in a state where the detector DT has notdetected the operational state of the bicycle 10 for a ninth thresholdtime period. That is, the sensitivity changer SC (SC5) is configured tocontrol the at least one band pass filter BPF (the third band passfilter BPF3) to block the wireless signal in the state where thedetector DT has not detected the operational state of the bicycle 10 forthe ninth threshold time period. Alternatively or additionally, thethird electrical switch BSW is controlled to connect the receivingcircuit RC and the third band pass filter BPF3 in the state where thewireless communicator WC has not received the wireless signal for atenth threshold time period. That is, the sensitivity changer SC(SC5) isconfigured to control the at least one band pass filter BPF (the thirdband pass filter BPF3) to block the wireless signal in the state wherethe wireless communicator WC has not received the wireless signal forthe tenth threshold time period. In this modification, the sensitivitychanger SC5 has the same function as that of the sensitivity changerSC4.

Other Modifications

In the above embodiments, the bicycle component controller CC isconfigured to control the wireless communicator WC (e.g. change thefirst and second operating modes), the shield actuator 40, the first tothird electrical switches WCSW, GSW, BSW, and the gain of the variablegain amplifier AMP. However, the detector DT can be configured tocontrol them on behalf of the bicycle component controller CC.

Shapes of the casing 28 and the electromagnetic shield 32, 32 m can bedifferent from those illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, as far as thefunctions of them don't change.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.” Further, some of the first threshold timeperiod to the eighth threshold time period may have a same time length,but all of them may have a different time length.

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle electric component comprising: anelectric actuator; a detector configured to determine whether a bicycleis in an operational state or in a non-operational state based on anoutput from at least one sensor; a wireless communicator configured toreceive a wireless signal, the wireless communicator having a pluralityof operating modes including a first operating mode and a secondoperating mode, a power consumption of the second operating mode beinglower than a power consumption of the first operating mode, the wirelesssignal including a control signal to control the electric actuator, thewireless communicator being activated in both the first operating modeand the second operating mode; and a bicycle component controllerconfigured to control the electric actuator based on the control signalreceived by the wireless communicator, the bicycle component controllerbeing configured to change an operating mode of the wirelesscommunicator to the first operating mode when the wireless communicatorreceives the wireless signal in a state where the detector determinesthe bicycle is in the operational state while the wireless communicatoris in the second operating mode, the wireless communicator continuing tobe in the second operating mode regardless of a time for which thedetector determines the bicycle is in the non-operational state if thebicycle component controller does not change the operating mode of thewireless communicator to the first operating mode.
 2. The bicycleelectric component according to claim 1, comprising: a bicycle componentcontroller configured to change from the first operating mode to thesecond operating mode in a state where the detector determines thebicycle is in the non-operational state for a first threshold timeperiod.
 3. The bicycle electric component according to claim 1,comprising: a bicycle component controller configured to change from thefirst operating mode to the second operating mode in a state where thewireless communicator has not received the wireless signal for a secondthreshold time period.
 4. The bicycle electric component according toclaim 1, wherein the detector includes at least one of a vibrationsensor, a pressure sensor, a rotation sensor, a strain sensor, and abicycle lock-state sensor.
 5. The bicycle electric component accordingto claim 1, comprising: at least one of a derailleur, an adjustableseatpost, a suspension, and an auxiliary drive unit.
 6. The bicycleelectric component according to claim 1, further comprising: aprocessor, and a memory, wherein the component controller and thedetector are constituted by the processor and the memory.
 7. The bicycleelectric component according to claim 6, further comprising: a circuitboard, wherein the processor and the memory are mounted on the circuitboard.
 8. The bicycle electric component according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a circuit board, a processor, an additional processor, amemory, and an additional memory, wherein the component controller isconstituted by the processor and the memory, and the detector isconstituted by the additional processor and the additional memory. 9.The bicycle electric component according to claim 8, further comprising:a circuit board, wherein the processor, the additional processor, thememory, and the additional memory are mounted on the circuit board.